Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees approved its 2027 budget Monday, Oct. 19, but will have to seek new bids for a planned replacement of the library’s dry sprinkler system after receiving no qualifying bids.
The board unanimously approved the budget, which has a total estimated amount of $4,705,662, following a public hearing in September. Business Manager Renee Sweeny previously reported an estimated property tax rate of $0.121 per $100 of assessed valuation, noting the final rate is typically lower.
The board had also planned to open sealed bids for the library’s dry sprinkler system installation project, but no contractors submitted bids meeting the project's specifications.
Sweeny explained Shambaugh had provided an earlier quote, but it did not account for all the requirements in the updated project specifications. Another contractor, VIP, attended the pre-bid construction meeting but subsequently declined to submit a proposal.
Library officials discussed reopening the bidding process and potentially expanding their search for contractors.
New Library Director Joe Fox said the library has enrolled in The Interlocal Purchasing System, which will allow it to advertise projects to a broader pool of contractors.
Fox said the lack of bids could reflect contractors' availability or the specialized nature of the work, although the reason remains unclear.
“I think our best option, then, is we just have to rebid,” Fox said, suggesting revisions to the scope of work before seeking additional proposals.
In his first director's report since assuming the position in September, Fox discussed his efforts to meet individually with library employees and department heads to better understand their concerns and priorities. He expects to complete those meetings by the end of this month.
Fox also reported the library's limited-use elevator has been repaired, while upgrades to the main elevator's aging components are being planned. The latter project will require a temporary shutdown.
Additionally, the library has installed eight new public computers and updated its patron management software.
Fox discussed the possibility of establishing reciprocal borrowing agreements with other Kosciusko County libraries, beginning with Milford.
Such agreements could allow residents of areas without library service to purchase a nonresident card from a participating library and gain access to other participating libraries without additional membership fees.
Fox noted Warsaw's annual nonresident fee is $116, compared with $100 at Mentone.
While reciprocal agreements could expand access, Fox acknowledged potential financial concerns because libraries would not receive compensation for patrons purchasing memberships elsewhere. He hopes to present a draft agreement at the board's next meeting.
The board also approved two resolutions updating authorized access to the library's safe deposit boxes following Fox's appointment.
Before adjourning, library officials discussed a Friends of the Library fundraiser scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the pavilion.
The event will feature activities and auction items, with proceeds supporting the library's capital improvement campaign. Organizers hope to secure enough donations to meet a $50,000 matching opportunity.
